Albums Turning 20 in 2020

It’s hard to believe that 2000 was 20 years ago. The turn of the century brought about a lot of culturally important albums that would define where music would be heading in the new millennium. Pop artists from the late 1990s would further establish their careers in the bubblegum sphere that defined those early years of the 2000s. Bands who found their niche earlier in the previous decade would continue to reinvent themselves as musicians and songwriters for an ever-changing world. 2000 also saw the emergence of new artists and sounds that would have a major impact on what tastemakers would be listening to another decade later.

In the spirit of nostalgia, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the most important albums of 2000. From one-hit-wonders to pop, hip-hop and rock’s heavy hitters, here are 10 albums from 2000 (and a few more) celebrating their 20^th anniversary milestone.

1.       Radiohead, ‘Kid A’: ‘Kid A’ was a controversial album when it was first released in October of 2000, but eventually became one of, if not THE most revered of the band’s works to date. Radiohead’s fourth studio album was supposed to be a departure from the guitar-rock sound they had been known for all throughout the 1990s, instead opting for a more synth-heavy touch. Pitchfork described it at the time as “the sound of a band, and its leader, losing faith in themselves, destroying themselves, and subsequently rebuilding a perfect entity. In other words, Radiohead hated being Radiohead, but ended up with the most ideal, natural Radiohead record yet.”

2.       Coldplay, ‘Parachutes’: It may not be their biggest-seller or even the band’s favorite album of theirs, but Coldplay would not be in the position they are today without the success of debut album ‘Parachutes.’ “Yellow” was a breakthrough track for the band, first at college radio and then on a wider scale. It led to the album reaching double-platinum status and an even more revered album, ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head,’ two years later.

3.       *NSYNC, ‘No Strings Attached’: Freshly independent from the slug that was Lou Pearlman after several years of legal issues, *NSYNC were ready to show off who they really were, and ‘No Strings Attached’ was the magnum opus that did so. The hysteria that ensued after the release of first single “Bye Bye Bye” said it all for the kind of career trajectory the group and pop music in general were taking in the early 2000s. ‘No Strings Attached’ became the best selling album of the year and led to a first-week sales record that would not be broken for 15 years. Justin Timberlake became a star. The album still holds weight today, as *NSYNC mania has increased with nostalgia for the late 1990s and early 2000s coming into fashion.

4.       Britney Spears, ‘Oops…I Did It Again’: After the runaway success of Britney Spears’ 1998 debut ‘…Baby One More Time,’ the singer “did it again” with her sophomore effort, ‘Oops…I Did It Again.’ Thanks to singles “Oops…I Did It Again,” “Stronger” and “Lucky,” the album sold half-a-million copies in its first day and more than 1.3 million in its first week, a record for sales by a female artist that would also last for 15 years. The album proved that Spears had staying power past her first album, as well as the place pop would take in the musical spectrum over the decade.

5.       Linkin Park, ‘Hybrid Theory’: The debut album from “nu-metal” juggernauts Linkin Park, ‘Hybrid Theory’ introduced the world to the band’s aggressive sound and personal, emotion-fueled lyrics. “One Step Closer,” “Crawling” and “In The End” found endless rotation on MTV and radio, leading the album to sell millions of copies and going on to become the “best selling debut album of the 21^st century.”

6.       Green Day, ‘Warning’: By no means their most popular (the album didn’t sell as well as any of their previous releases), ‘Warning’ brought Green Day into the new millennium with as much brash force as their 1990s fare, only with a little wiser, more eclectic touch. Songs like “Minority” and “Macys Day Parade” marked the first time the band got truly political on a record, giving rise to what would be coming from them just four years later.

7.       Dashboard Confessional, ‘The Swiss Army Romance’: The debut album from Dashboard Confessional (the solo project of Further Seems Forever’s Chris Carrabba), ‘The Swiss Army Romance’ is a necessity for anyone who claims to be into “emo.” Led by single “Screaming Infidelities” the album is full of passionate, at times self-deprecating lyrics and acoustic melodies meant to be sung along to at the top of your lungs.

8.       P!nk, ‘Can’t Take Me Home’: P!nk’s debut solo album ‘Can’t Take Me Home’ proves she’s always been a no-nonsense powerhouse pop singer, acrobatic live shows or not. “There You Go” was the big “f--- you” that most of the pop princesses weren’t doing with their music. The rest of the songs follow suit in being fiercely independent, slightly rock informed pieces.   

9.       Eminem, ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’: After finding a bit of fame the previous year with ‘The Slim Shady LP,’ Eminem returned in 2000 with the even more polarizing ‘The Marshall Mathers LP.’ While the album had its humorous, tongue-in-cheek moments with songs like “The Real Slim Shady,” it also got dark and violent with songs like “Stan” (about an obsessed fan who kills himself and his pregnant girlfriend) and “Kim” (which made up a scenario where he killed his wife). Despite the album’s intense nature, it became one of his most successful, selling more than 20 million copies worldwide and going diamond in the US.

10.   Baha Men, ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’: Hard to imagine, but “Who Let The Dogs Out” (both the single and album of the same name) turns 20 this year. The song became inescapable that year, and even breaking the top ten on charts all over the world. It continues to be used during sporting events to this day (although not as heavily).

Additional Selections Turning 20:

·         Nelly, ‘Country Grammar’

·         Matchbox 20, ‘Mad Season’

·         Nelly Furtado, ‘Whoa, Nelly!’

·         Outkast, ‘Stankonia’

·         Papa Roach, ‘Infest’

·         Eve 6, ‘Horrorscope’

·         Disturbed, ‘The Sickness’

The musical landscape has changed a lot in the last 20 years. However, looking back on the popular albums of 2000 gives you a unique perspective on where certain trends came from. Reminisce with us on the albums above and let us know about your favorite albums turning 20 in the comments below.

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Fuel your nostalgia at Vinyl Bay 777! As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres from throughout many decades. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Favorite Songs of 2019

2019 was a big year for music. Rock, pop, hip-hop and R&B all had their big moments in the spotlight. Billie Eilish and Lizzo bolted onto the scene with incredible, unique takes on what popular music could be. Taylor Swift, Eilish, Post Malone and more dominated the airwaves and the charts. Genres intersected to come up with some interesting and groundbreaking collaborations.

There have been some great songs to come out of this prosperous year in music. With 2019 almost at its end, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite tunes. Here are nine (and a bunch more) that made us think and feel this year.

1.       Vampire Weekend, “Harmony Hall”: Vampire Weekend made their big return this year, releasing an amazing album of alt-rock hits. I love the 90s-meets-current style the band has cultivated on the album, mixing in fun melodies with serious, thought-provoking lyrics. “Harmony Hall” is on another level though. Its mix of 90s melody, 70s flower-power and modern day worry. It’s upbeat and contemplative at the same time and political without being overtly political. (video)

2.       AJR, “Dear Winter”: AJR had another great year in 2019, releasing ‘Neotheater’ in the second quarter of the year. While “100 Bad Days” is a standout single with a big sound, I’m going to go with “Dear Winter” as one of my favorites. The vulnerability in Jack Met’s voice and words as he sings to his future child is palpable. You sympathize with how in his head he is and the loneliness he feels and how excited he is to one day have kids. It’s an emotional song and you’re there for every moment of it.  (video)

3.       Finneas, “I Lost A Friend”: Not just the producer of sister Billie Eilish’s music, Finneas put out some fantastic music of his own this year. “I Lost A Friend” is a minimalist, piano & snare-driven track is well-written and brimming with emotion. With every plunked note and vocal strain you hear his pain as he sings about having a falling out with his friend. (video)

4.       The Highwomen, “Redesigning Women”: Girl power was prevalent in country music in 2019, and no supergroup encompasses that more than The Highwomen and their debut single “Redesigning Women.” The quartet of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires joined together this year as an answer to the Highwaymen. “Redesigning Women” is an anthem for hardworking women everywhere who break the mold, acting as both homemaker and breadwinner and then some. (video)

5.       Ice Nine Kills, “IT Is The End”: After seeing the video for “IT Is The End,” I was hooked on the creativity that is Ice Nine Kills’ music. The song, as well as the video, is based off the film ‘IT,’ and does a really good job of retelling the film’s plot in an interesting and entertaining way. (video)

6.       Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott, “Tempo”: While many are putting “Juice” or “Truth Hurts” on their year-end lists, I’m going with the Lizzo song that first caught my ear, “Tempo.” What made it for me was the beat, pacing and the body positivity of the lyrics. I also enjoyed Missy Elliott’s appearance on the song because both artists’ styles meld so well together. This generation needs a Missy Elliott and Lizzo is her. (video)

7.       NF, “The Search”: Music about mental health has been a big theme in 2019 as the stigma and curtain hiding it has started to lift. NF’s “The Search” confronts the effects of anxiety and OCD head on in beautifully crafted verse. He’s candid about his struggles and what he’s feeling, giving listeners an outlet to feel less alone with their thoughts. (video)

8.       Ozzy Osbourne, “Under The Graveyard”: This year brought the return of the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Despite having to postpone his farewell tour due to a string of injuries, the former Black Sabbath frontman released his first new music in a decade this year. His first single, “Under The Graveyard” proves that he hasn’t lost his edge. The song features Osbourne’s characteristic haunting vocals and instrumental-heavy melody, as well as contemplative, dark lyrics that take inspiration from his life. (video)

9.       Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”: Despite not having featured Billie Eilish’s breakout track on any of my previous weekly lists, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include “Bad Guy” on this year-end one. Usually songs with whisper-sung vocals don’t go as viral as this track, especially ones where the vocal is just so creepy (sorry, it just is). Then you also have the upbeat, zany bridge, which is completely different from the rest of the song (“duh”). This eclecticism is what makes “Bad Guy” one of 2019’s standout tracks, whether you’re sick of hearing it or not. (video)

Further Listening:

·         I Prevail, “Hurricane”: (video)

·         Waterparks, “Turbulent”: (video)

·         Charly Bliss, “Capacity”: (video)

·         The Avett Brothers, “High Steppin’”: (video)

·         Frank Turner, “Don’t Worry”: (video)

·         Meg & Dia, “American Spirit”: (video)

·         Set It Off, “Dancing With The Devil”: (video)

·         The Darkness, “Rock and Roll Deserves to Die”: (video)

·         We The Kings, “Turn It Up”: (video)

·         Simple Plan feat. State Champs & We The Kings, “Where I Belong”: (video)

·         Mumford & Sons, “Beloved”: (video)

As 2019 comes to a close, it’s compelling to take a look back at the year that was, including the music that brought us so much joy over the last 12 months. Check out some of our favorites in the list above and let us know what some of your favorite songs from the past year were in the comments below.

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Celebrate music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Grammy Awards 2018 Nominees Announced: Six Takeaways

The nominations for the 2018 Grammy Awards were announced Tuesday morning. Now in its 60^th year, the show is slated to air January 28 on CBS.

The Grammy Awards has been honoring the best in all genres of music for six decades now. Leading the pack in nominations this year is Jay-Z, whose new album, ‘4:44,’ received a total of eight nods. Following close behind are Kendrick Lamar with seven and Childish Gambino and Bruno Mars with five each.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a closer look at some of this year’s Grammy nominees. From diversity to posthumous awards and history-making nominations, here are six interesting takeaways from this year’s list.

1.       Rap was very popular this year: In recent years, the Grammys has been plagued by criticism over the lack of diversity in their nominees. That gap decreases slightly this year, as hip-hop and R&B are finally getting their due. As stated previously, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino and Bruno Mars are all dominating the nominees list. Rap also fills the New Artists category this year with Khalid, Lil Uzi Vert and SZA all vying for the award.

2.       The lines of dance and alternative were blurred: There are always a couple of head-scratchers when it comes to nominations. The one that sticks out this year is the nomination of Gorillaz and LCD Soundsystem for Best Dance Recording. While Gorillaz did make an album this year with electronic leanings, both are a big surprise to find in this category. Both are also nominated in the Best Alternative Album category as well, which seems more understandable.

3.       Posthumous rock nods: The rock world lost a lot of icons this year and the Grammys are recognizing a few of them. Leonard Cohen, whose final album ‘You Want It Darker’ was released in October 2016, three weeks after the eligibility cut-off for last year’s ceremony, is nominated in the Best Rock Performance category this year for the album’s haunting title track, as well as in Best American Roots Performance for the non-single “Steer Your Way.” Late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell is also nominated for Rock Performance, picking up a solo nod for his one-off single “The Promise,” which was released as a charity single benefiting the International Rescue Committee. Finally, Gregg Allman is up for two awards: Best Americana Album for ‘Southern Blood’ and Best American Roots Song for “My Only True Friend.”

4.       ‘La La Land’ continues to shine: There is no doubt that ‘La La Land’ was a huge success when it came out in December of 2016. The film won six of its 14 Oscar nods and dominated the Golden Globes. Apparently the film is still riding high because it is nominated for four awards, including all three Visual Media categories and a composition award for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals.

5.       “Despacito” is the first Latin track in a while to be nominated for the big awards: It was very hard to escape the sound of “Despacito” coming out of every speaker over the last year. The break-out crossover single from Luis Fonsi was everywhere and the Grammys are giving it its due. The song is nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year, as well as Pop Duo/Group Performance. According to Billboard, the last time a Latin crossover song took the English-speaking world like this was in 2000 when Ricky Martin’s “Living La Vida Loca” was blowing up.

6.       Kesha got her first Grammy nods: Over the last seven years, Kesha has been a pop powerhouse with a handful of top 10 singles and two top 10 albums to her name. But in all that time, she has never received a Grammy nomination. That is until now. Her latest album, ‘Rainbow,’ has produced two nominations for her, one for Best Pop Vocal Album and one for Best Pop Solo Performance for the beautiful and powerful “Praying.”

With the announcement of the 2018 Grammy nominees this morning, the Recording Academy continues to honor some of the best music of the year. Honoring a more diverse group of artists this year, as well as artists who truly had banner years in their careers, the award show’s 60^th year is looking to be a good one.

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Find award-winning music from these artists and more at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or shop online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

21 Years Later: Seven Facts about Tupac Shakur's Legendary Music and Career

On this day in 1996, the world lost rapper Tupac Shakur. After sustaining four bullet wounds in a drive-by shooting six days prior, he succumbed to his injuries. Cut down in the prime of his career, he was only 25 years old.

Tupac was one of the top hip-hop artists to come out of the west coast scene in the 1990s. Releasing four albums over the course of his nine year career, his music has been certified platinum many times over. His best-selling album, 1996’s ‘All Eyez On Me,’ earned him his first American Music Award before going 10-times platinum. He remains one of the best-selling artists to date with two of his albums currently charting on Billboard’s Catalog Albums chart. In 2017, his first year of eligibility, he became the fifth hip-hop act ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In light of the 21^st anniversary of his death, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, would like to take a look back at some of the things that made Tupac and his music so special. Here are seven facts about the artist, his music and his legacy.

1.       He released more albums after his death than before: With all the albums Tupac has released over the years, only four were actually released during his lifetime. The other seven, which pulled from his prolific unreleased recordings with Death Row Records, were released posthumously.

2.       His final album made history: Released in 1996, ‘All Eyez On Me’ was Tupac’s final album, as well as his highest acclaimed. The album was also the first double full-length studio album in hip-hop history.

3.       He had a number one album while in prison: It’s hard for an artist to achieve the number one position on the charts, period. But when Tupac released his third album, ‘Me Against the World,’ in 1995, the rapper was serving a four-month prison sentence. Apparently that didn’t mean much to critics and fans because the album became his first number one. From there on out, all of his albums would reach the top 10.

4.       He was a dancer for the Digital Underground: Tupac didn’t start out as a musician. His first gigs were actually in acting and dancing. His big break came as a dancer for The Digital Underground, the group that gave us all “The Humpty Dance.” He also honed his songwriting chops with them, helping to pen the single “Same Song” while he was working on his debut solo album.

5.       He performed live as a hologram: It was actually a “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion, but semantics aside, he was brought “back to life” for a performance at Coachella in 2012 during Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s set. As Tupac hadn’t given a performance in 16 years, it was naturally a draw and led to his entire catalog getting a sales surge.

6.       He was influenced by pop-rock: Tupac had a lot of varied influences that went into his music. While some of those included the socially conscious works of his fellow rappers, he was also a fan of rock and pop. His early influences include Kate Bush, U2, Culture Club and Sinead O’Conner. His favorite artist?...Prince.

7.       His music is in the National Recording Registry: In 2010, his song “Dear Mama” was deemed “culturally, historically and aesthetically important” enough to be included in the Library of Congress’ prestigious list. Other artists included that year were Patti Smith, R.E.M., Little Richard, Loretta Lynn and The Band.

Tupac Shakur remains one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last three decades. His socially conscious themes and varied influences made his music stand out. Now 21 years after his death, his music is inspiring a whole new generation of artists and fans.

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Celebrate Tupac and other legendary artists at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for hip-hop, R&B, rock, jazz, classical, dance or anything else, we have you covered. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what gems you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.